Storing a Milsurp
- Thread starter Mayday_
- Start date
Eaglelord17
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Sault Ste. Marie
Cosmoline doesn't always preserve the rifle. Depending on how the cosmoline was applied, and where it was applied can determine if it actually protects the rifle. Part of the arsenal process for most militaries was periodic inspections every 5-10 years or so. They would verify they weren't rusting, re-cosmoline where needed, and give them the ok. Some people have actually had the misfortune of opening up cosmolined rifles (even something as nice as in the wrap No. 4 Mk. 2s) and finding out that areas had rusted due to the fact the storage system wasn't intended for 50+ years without periodic maintenance.
Eaglelord17
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Sault Ste. Marie
Depends, not to say leaving it for 50 years won't protect it, just that it isn't guaranteed protection. Only periodic inspections and oil/grease/cosmoline/etc. applied to the firearm will guarantee preservation. Personally I like taking a firearm out of the cosmoline, and for re-sale purposes it will likely be worth more in the future left in the grease.
A tip that I picked up from a sword collector for preserving polished blades, which are bare metal, is to use common petroleum jelly.
As it was explained to me, cosmoline is basically vaseline with rust inhibitors added.
I use it on blades that are stored in their scabbard. Clean stuff, I even use it on my hunting knives for storage. The nice thing is, a quick wipe with a rag and the stuff comes off ready to slice a piece of sausage without getting that cosmo flavour.
I also give my spare parts a coating for long term storage. I have had some stuff stashed away for close to 20 years, the petroleum jelly has not dried up and there have been zero rust problems.
I am not just pulling this idea out of my 'ear'. Originally, Lee Metford/Enfields were issued with what we call an 'oiler' bottle, but originally it did not contain oil. It had a spoon in the lid. The spoon is for scooping out petroleum jelly. The rifles would be preserved by the soldier with petroleum jelly on the metalwork, and Rangoon oil for lubricating the moving parts.
And yes, with ongoing storage, anything that is preserved, including a gun collection, should be inspected for corrosion at regular intervals. Do the best that you can with oil, grease, dry conditions, but pull each one out at least once a year and give it a look over.
As it was explained to me, cosmoline is basically vaseline with rust inhibitors added.
I use it on blades that are stored in their scabbard. Clean stuff, I even use it on my hunting knives for storage. The nice thing is, a quick wipe with a rag and the stuff comes off ready to slice a piece of sausage without getting that cosmo flavour.
I also give my spare parts a coating for long term storage. I have had some stuff stashed away for close to 20 years, the petroleum jelly has not dried up and there have been zero rust problems.
I am not just pulling this idea out of my 'ear'. Originally, Lee Metford/Enfields were issued with what we call an 'oiler' bottle, but originally it did not contain oil. It had a spoon in the lid. The spoon is for scooping out petroleum jelly. The rifles would be preserved by the soldier with petroleum jelly on the metalwork, and Rangoon oil for lubricating the moving parts.
And yes, with ongoing storage, anything that is preserved, including a gun collection, should be inspected for corrosion at regular intervals. Do the best that you can with oil, grease, dry conditions, but pull each one out at least once a year and give it a look over.
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